UFC 75 The Most Watched UFC Event Ever
Today Spike TV announced that UFC 75 was the most watched UFC event in history:
The first ever UFC title fight on Spike TV drew a staggering 4.7 million viewers on Saturday, September 8 (9:00pm-12:11am) making it the most watched UFC event ever and the most watched mixed martial arts event ever in North America. The “UFC 75� telecast emanating from the O2 Arena in London, England peaked at 5.6 million for the bout between UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage� Jackson and PRIDE champ Dan Henderson. The fight card drew more Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 than anything else on television, broadcast or cable on September 8, including heavy sports competition from college football on ABC and ESPN, NASCAR on ABC, and the U.S. Open Women’s Final on CBS.
“The ratings are further proof that the tide in American sports is changing,� said Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV. “Young men, who constitute the Spike TV core audience, prefer the incredible action and athleticism of the UFC to more traditional sports.�
“We’re very proud to have added to the rich history of sports in London with this watershed mixed martial arts event,â€? said Dana White, UFC President. “Not only did UFC 75 showcase the bout that unified the 205 lb Pride and UFC titles, it did so in front of a record breaking crowd at the O2 Arena in London, and in front of the largest U.S. audience to ever tune in to an MMA card during its Spike TV telecast.â€?
“UFC 75� on Spike TV scored 2,503,000 Men 18-49 compared to 2.3 million for Oregon vs. Michigan on ABC; 2.1 million for NASCAR on ABC; 1.3 million for Virginia Tech vs. LSU on ESPN; 1.3 million for Notre Dame vs. Penn St on ESPN, and 546,000 for the U.S. Open Women’s Final on CBS.
“UFC 75� on Spike TV scored 1,622,000 Men 18-34 compared to 1.2 million for Oregon vs. Michigan on ABC; 717,000 for NASCAR on ABC; 656,000 million for Virginia Tech vs. LSU on ESPN; 687,000 for Notre Dame vs. Penn St on ESPN and 190,000 for the U.S. Open Women’s Final on CBS.
Overall, the Spike TV telecast drew a 3.1 rating (3.0 million homes), 5.7 Men 18-34 (1.6 million), 4.5 in M18-49 (2.5 million), and 6.2 rating in M25-34 (1.0 million).
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The Ultimate Fighter 6, which will debut next Wednesday following UFC Fight Night 11, has a chance to be a standout season for the reality series. Its debut will come on the heels of a massive event and Spike will be looking to capture a sizeable group of the people who tuned in for UFC 75 and convert them into regular viewers. The show has seen declining viewers in the past several seasons and the large audience could help boost that number this year. The show has also made minor rule adjustments to enhance the competition.
Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com over the coming months as we go in-depth on The Ultimate Fighter will show previews, recaps, and more.
UFC 75 was a good card. It had everything. It had controversy, a big upset with Cro Cop losing and a fighter that solidified himself in history as an undisputed champion. I hope the UFC shows more pay per view type events like this for free again.
I think everyone would love to see more free fights, especially PPV caliber ones. The UFC will likely air most of it's European events on Spike but it will be months before the next one of those takes place so for now look ahead to UFNs and the TUF 6 Finale
I think that it is too bad that there was the controvercy on the most watched event the UFC has ever had. I hope it doesn't effect their ratings. I still believe Hammil won, but I am not on the boycot wagon. I have been a fan since UFC 1 and I think the sport as a whole is much, much better than it used to be. I would like to see a change in the way matches are scored(more like the PRIDE "match as a whole") but I can't see myself leaving my favorite sport behind.
Yes….I cant wait until TUF 6. GO TEAM HUGHES!!!!
Most watched, and In my opinion one of the lamest UFC event ever.
I think it was a good UFC event. I think its going to attract more fans.
UFC had everything Knockouts/ Split Decisions/ Controversy. What more does a fight fan want? Role on Ultimate fighter by the previews looks like its gonna be a good season. Good luck to team Hughes, I hope you show Serra "The Gob" who is the Daddy.
I agree Kris, everyone would love to see more free fights. I enjoyed UFC 75, besides the controversy it was a solid event. In a little while, we will see Ultimate Fight Night Live and then the Ultimate Figher. I'm just counting the days.
We need to give Serra some shot or some chance of pulling off another upset. I know that Hughes will be a huge favorite, but Serra when he brings it, he can go toe to toe with almost any welterweight in the world.
I love both Hughes and Serra, but if I had to pick who I wanted to win at UFC 79, I would go with Serra. I think Hughes will win, but I will be cheering hard for Serra.
As much as I love watching the best guys fight, I sometimes have a hard time picking who I want to win. People can tell me to just enjoy the fight or fights, but if I am watching a fight I have to pick a side. I don't want Hughes to lose, but in this fight I gotta go with my boy Serra.